Preadoption Training

Depending on the type of adoption pursued, different types and amounts of training are required. If adopting through an agency, many agencies require prospective parents to attend training provided by the agency or by a comparable approved training provider. If you are adopting a child from a country that is a party to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, 10 hours of preservice training is required. Resources in this section include curricula and materials offering preservice training to prospective foster, adoptive, and/or kinship families, including State and local examples.

Resources include curricula and materials offering preservice training to prospective foster, adoptive, and/or kinship families, including State and local examples.

A Comparative Evaluation of Preservice Training of Kinship and Nonkinship Foster/Adoptive Families
Christenson & McMurtry
Child Welfare, 86(1), 2007
View Abstract
Presents results of a 2003 evaluation of the Foster PRIDE/Adopt PRIDE preservice training and resource family development program conducted in Idaho.

The Development of Parenting Skills in Foster Parent Training
Puddy & Jackson
Children and Youth Services Review, 25(12), 2003
View Abstract
Examines the effectiveness of the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting/Group Selection and Participation of Foster and/or Adoptive Families foster parent training program in teaching potential foster parents parenting skills.

Fundamentals of Foster and Adoptive Parenting: Participant Manual
Child Welfare Training Institute (2005)
View Abstract
Presents a curriculum for preparing adoptive or foster parents with the skills necessary to understand and cope with the experience of receiving an adoptive or foster child into their home. Also see the resource guide and trainer manual.

MAPP
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare
Describes the Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) training curriculum for prospective foster/adoptive parents.

PATH: Parents as Tender Healers: A Curriculum for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Care Parents: Participant's Handbook
Spaulding for Children (1997)
View Abstract
Describes the Parents as Tender Healers (PATH) video-based curriculum to help prospective resource parents decide whether providing foster, adoptive, or kinship care to children is appropriate for them. Also see the trainer's guide.

The PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) Program
Child Welfare League of America
Links to the PRIDE model for training and supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship resource families.

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State and local examples

Enhancing Positive Outcomes in Transracial Adoptive Families
California Social Work Education Center (2004)
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Provides information about the experiences and challenges of transracial adoptive families with the goal of improving the quality of services and supports provided to these unique families.

Evaluating a Title IV-E Foster Parent Training Program: Context, Outcomes, and Contributions to Foster Care
Cook & Fletcher (2005)
View Abstract
Presents findings from an evaluation of New Hampshire's preservice foster care training program, which was conducted in response to the Foster Family Care Performance Audit. The evaluation process included obtaining foster parent opinions of the preservice training after a child was placed in their care.

First Voice Executive Summary
University of South Carolina Center for Child and Family Studies (2004)
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Presents results of an evaluation of the First Voice training model for foster parents and caseworkers. First Voice was designed to promote the involvement of youth in planning independent living services.

Informal Kinship Care in Minnesota: A Pilot Study: Title IV-E Curriculum Module
Gibson (2005)
Contains discussion questions, selected references, additional resources, suggested guest speakers, and a PowerPoint presentation.

Ohio Child Welfare Training Program
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Provides training to caseworkers, supervisors, administrators, and resource families through a network of regional training centers.

The PARTNER Program Training Session
Adoption Exchange (2002)
In Making the Family Connection: A Project to Retain and Support Minority Children in Adoptive Families: Final Project Report
View Abstract
Includes handouts for a 4-hour training session for parents mentoring with the Family Connection program in Missouri.

Suggested Pre-Placement and Time-of-Placement Questions (PDF - 86 KB)
Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (2007)
Lists questions foster parents should ask before agreeing to the placement of a child in their home in order to determine if the placement will be a good fit.

Child Welfare Information Gateway encourages organizations to submit resources from their workforce or training efforts for inclusion in our library. Send information to library@childwelfare.gov.